Novel Quaternary Ammonium Derivatives Based on Apple Pectin.

New quaternary ammonium derivatives (quats) based on apple pectin (PA) were synthesized by the chemical modification of native polysaccharides with various quaternization mixtures containing epichlorohydrin (ECH) and a tertiary amine. Pectin derivatives (QPAs) were studied by elemental analysis, conductometric titration, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and C nuclear magnetic resonance (C NMR). Viscosity measurements enabled the evaluation of the viscosity average molar mass (M) for the unmodified polysaccharide, as well as its intrinsic viscosity ([η]) value.

Insights into the Overlap of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Apnea: Experience from the Clinic of Pneumology, Târgu Mureș.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a severe impact on patients' health and can lead to multiple complications.

Material And Methods: We analyzed the co-occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in COPD patients hospitalized in the Pneumology Clinic of Târgu Mureș, Romania.

Results: A total of 150 COPD patients were investigated by clinical examination, STOP-BANG and Epworth questionnaires, ventilatory polygraphy (PG), EKG, cardiac ultrasound, blood lipids, and sugar.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Temporomandibular Joint and Aortic Root Score in Fibrillinopathies.

Fibrillinopathies have different phenotypic expression: Marfan-like skeleton features, MLSF; mitral valve prolapse syndrome, MVPS; MASS phenotype, M = mitral valve prolapse, MVP, A = aortic root dilation, S = skeletal features, and the second S = (cutaneous) striae; Marfan Syndrome, MS. The study had the following main objectives: the correlation between disc displacement, DD (a major sign for temporomandibular joint dysfunction, TMDs) on magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and aortic Z score (a major sign for aortic root dilation) on echocardiography; the predictive value of DD towards aortic Z score. DD had 2 types of severity: DD with reduction (the mild type, DDwR), and DD without reduction (the severe type, DDwoR).

Vitamin D Receptor-Interplay in COVID-19-Negative, -Infected, and -Vaccinated Women during Pregnancy.

The trophoblast is a significant source of vitamin D synthesis during pregnancy, with the literature suggesting its role in fetal growth. We aim to underline a possible mechanism that would explain negative fetal outcomes in COVID-19-positive mothers by examining the relationship between altered placental structure and function and throphoblast cells' vitamin D receptor levels. The study included 170 placental samples collected from women who gave birth at term without complications, divided into three groups: COVID-19-positive and unvaccinated, COVID-19-negative and vaccinated, and COVID-19-negative and unvaccinated, with exclusion criteria for any other medical complications.

Three-Dimensional Planimetry Assessment of Dental Plaque-Covered Area Reduction after Rinsing with 0.2% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution as Part of a Guided Biofilm Therapy Protocol-Pilot Longitudinal Study.

: Less often employed as a rinsing solution for controlling oral biofilms, NaOCL was used in oral rinses at various concentrations in steps 1 and 4 of periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the biofilm-disruptive properties of a 0.2% NaOCl solution in standardized oral rinses using dedicated plaque-disclosing agents and 3D scanning methods in patients undergoing the regular Guided Biofilm Therapy protocol.

Obesity as a Risk Factor for the Severity of COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients: Possible Mechanisms-A Narrative Review.

Obesity, the current pandemic, is associated with alarming rises among children and adolescents, and the forecasts for the near future are worrying. The present paper aims to draw attention to the short-term effects of the excess adipose tissue in the presence of a viral infection, which can be life-threatening for pediatric patients, given that the course of viral infections is often severe, if not critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the basis of these statements, which opened the door to the study of the repercussions of obesity in the presence of a viral infection.

Cold plasma irradiation of chitosan: A straight pathway to selective antitumor therapy.

Plasma-activated chitosan (PAC) colloids for cancer treatment were obtained by using the cold atmospheric plasma technique. Chitosan solutions were irradiated by plasma ignited in argon gas and in a mixture of argon with nitrogen and oxygen gases in certain ratios. The structural modifications of chitosan and the chemical species generated in plasma were investigated by EPR, LC-MS/MS, XRD, DLS, and TGA methods.

Identifying Childhood Risk Factors for Hepatitis B with a Focus on Vertical Transmission.

Background: Despite worldwide vaccination efforts, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health burden, particularly in regions where vertical transmission is prevalent. Given Romania's history as an endemic area for hepatitis B from the 1990s until the early 2000s and the previously high infection rates among children, it is crucial to continually evaluate HBV infection in this population to monitor current trends, assess the long-term impact of vaccination programs, and address any remaining gaps in prevention and treatment efforts. This study aims to identify childhood risk factors associated with HBV acquisition, examining the role of maternal HBV status in child HBV infection, focusing on vertical transmission among a cohort of 654 children, with maternal infection as the independent variable and child infection as the dependent variable.

Coactivation of the Laryngeal Muscles in Pigs Without External Neural Control Indicates Existence of an Intrinsic Neuronal Network.

Electrophysiological studies of the larynx expose the mechanisms by which voice production is controlled. Previous studies have revealed certain phenomena during laryngeal oscillations that suggest a complex control mechanism. Starting from the principle of agonist-antagonist muscular pairing, the aim of this study was to gain a deeper insight into the function of the cricothyroid (CT) and thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles, both central to voice production.

New insights on the link between Epstein‑Barr virus infection and cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases (Review).

Cognitive decline is a frequent complaint in healthy controls and neurological patients, regardless of the underlying pathology. Whilst cognitive impairment can be easily diagnosed in the more advanced stages of neurodegenerative diseases, early detection can be challenging. This is mainly the consequence of the incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Enhanced Antibacterial Efficacy of Bioceramic Implants Functionalized with Ciprofloxacin: An In Silico and In Vitro Study.

This study explores the antibacterial efficacy and cytotoxicity of ciprofloxacin-functionalized bioceramic implants. We synthesized hydroxyapatite-ciprofloxacin (HACPX) composites and applied them to titanium substrates (Ti-HA-CPX), evaluating their performance in vitro against (ATCC 25923) and (ATCC 25922). Antibacterial activity was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, while cytotoxicity was tested using mesenchymal stem cells.

Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Previous Cardiac Revascularization: Review of Literature.

: The diet and physical activity of the world's population determine the increase in the number of bariatric surgeries. The most common types of bariatric surgery are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Surgical interventions are carried out in patients with numerous comorbidities, among which the most common are cardiovascular diseases.

The Burden of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Risk Factors in Pregnancy and Postpartum-Mirroring Our Region's Particularities.

(1) The three factors within the Virchow triad play the leading role in the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy. (2) This research approaches the various risk factors associated with DVT and its most representative complications, pulmonary thromboembolism and cerebral venous thrombosis, in pregnant and postpartum women across a 15-year period (2007-2021). (3) A total of 201 out of 287 patients with DVT had associated risk factors, while 86 did not present with any.

The use of artificial neural networks in studying the progression of glaucoma.

In ophthalmology, artificial intelligence methods show great promise due to their potential to enhance clinical observations with predictive capabilities and support physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. This paper focuses on modelling glaucoma evolution because it requires early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and lifelong monitoring. Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, irreversible, multifactorial optic neuropathy that primarily affects elderly individuals.

The Relationship between Job Strain and Ischemic Heart Disease Mediated by Endothelial Dysfunction Markers and Imaging.

: Job strain is a psychological, physical, and behavioral stress that occurs at the workplace. Job strain is associated with more than double the normal risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The main aim of this study was to determine the association between job strain and the following parameters: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), the albumin urine excretion rate (AUER), and secondary-level testing.

Pediatric Perspectives on Liver Cirrhosis: Unravelling Clinical Patterns and Therapeutic Challenges.

: Liver cirrhosis presents significant challenges in the pediatric population due to a complex interplay of etiological factors, clinical manifestations, and limited therapeutic options. The leading contributors to cirrhosis among pediatric patients are chronic cholestasis, metabolic disorders present from birth, and long-term hepatitis. : Our narrative review aimed to synthesize literature data on the etiology, clinical picture, diagnostic techniques, optimal management of complications, and timely transplantation.

Insights into the Natural and Treatment Courses of Hepatitis B in Children: A Retrospective Study.

Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children remains a significant public health challenge. The natural history and treatment outcomes of HBV can vary widely, influencing management strategies. This retrospective study was conducted in Northeast Romania and involved a cohort of 148 pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic viral Hepatitis B.

Urinary Tract Infections with Carbapenem-Resistant in a Urology Clinic-A Case-Control Study.

Background: The aim of our study was to analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) with carbapenem-resistant (CR) () and the antibiotic resistance spectrum of the strains in patients. As secondary objectives, we elaborated the profile of these patients and the incidence of different types of carbapenemases.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study in which we compared a group of 62 patients with urinary tract infections with CR with a control group consisting of 136 patients with urinary tract infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR), but carbapenem-sensitive (CS), , who were hospitalized between 1 January 2022 and 31 March 2024.

Understanding the Interplay Between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD).

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), categorized as a mood disorder due to marked symptoms of depression and anxiety, compounded with severe physical symptoms. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) can manifest as low libido, difficulty achieving sexual pleasure, and dyspareunia, causing functional and psychological distress. PMDD and FSD are globally prevalent conditions with postulated biological, psychological, and social associations between them.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum, a Challenging Postpartum Diagnosis-Case Report and Literature Review.

: The infrequent occurrence of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) during pregnancy and in postpartum, with its subsequent diagnostic intricacies, caused us to present the following case. : This article describes a rare case of PG in postpartum in a patient without any prior pathology and a short review of the literature, aiming to identify similar rare instances. : We conducted a literature review to ascertain the prevalence of postpartum pyoderma gangrenosum, and we identified a total of 41 cases.

The impact of palliative care on the frailty-stroke continuum: from theoretical concepts to practical aspects.

With a constant increase in prevalence and incidence worldwide, stroke remains a public health issue in the 21 century. Additionally, population aging inevitably leads to increased vulnerability in the general population, a clinical state known as frailty. While there are adequate guidelines on the treatment of stroke in the acute setting, there are a lot of gaps regarding the chronic management of stroke patients, particularly the frail ones.

Xanthan-Polyurethane Conjugates: An Efficient Approach for Drug Delivery.

The antifungal agent, ketoconazole, and the anti-inflammatory drug, piroxicam, were incorporated into matrices of xanthan or oleic acid-esterified xanthan (Xn) and polyurethane (PU), to develop topical drug delivery systems. Compared to matrices without bioactive compounds, which only showed a nominal compressive stress of 32.18 kPa (sample xanthan-polyurethane) at a strain of 71.